A firm



No. 749,430". PATENTED JAN. 12, 1904.

I B. VOM EIGEN. BAG PASTENER.

APPIJIGATION FILED AUG. 13, 1903.

N0 MODEL. dSHBETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESSES:

INVENTOR ITEJBEI'L ATTORNEY Patented J aniiary 12, 1904.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BENNO VOM EIGEN, OF NEWARK, JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO AUG.

GOERTZ & (10., OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, A FIRM.

BAG-FASTENER.

SPEOIFICATIONforming part of Letters Patent N 0. 749,430, dated January 12, 1904. Application filed August 13, 1903. Serial No. 169,327. (No model.)

To a, whom, it may concern.-

ence being had to the accompanying drawings,

and to characters of reference marked thereon,

which form a part of this specification.

My present invention has reference to improvements in metallic frames for purses, bags, and the like; and this invention has for its principal object the production of a simply and durably constructed purse or bag frame which shall be neat in appearance and has the parts of its mechanism arranged with a view of providing a trick or puzzle frame, furnishing abundant opportunity to exercise good judgment in manipulating the parts of the frame and at the same time affording great amusement.

The present invention consists, therefore,

in the novel construction of purse or bag frame hereinafter set forth, as well as m the general arrangements and combinations of the va- 'rious parts thereof, all of which will be fully described in detail in the accompanying specification, and then finally embodied in the clauses of the claim.

Other objects of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description of the same.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a face view of the purse or bag frame embodying the principles of the present invention, the frame-sections being represented in their opened relations with the usual bag-inlays removed from the inner faces of the frame-sections to illustrate in side elevation the general arrangement of the actuating or catch mechanism of the bag or purse frame. Fig. 2 is a cross-section taken Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section, on an enlarged scale, the said section being taken on line 3 3 in said Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrow 1 and the same representing the various locking devices or slide-bolts of the mechanism in their normally-locked positions to prevent the opening or separation of the pivoted bagframe sections. Fig. 4: is a similar sectional representation of the parts, showing the said locking devices or bolts of the mechanism in their actuated positions to permit the opening or separation of the pivoted bag-frame sections. Fig. 5 is a top edge view of the purse or bag frame, illustrating the relative positions of a pair of finger-pieces when the locking devices of the mechanism are in the positions represented in said Fig. 3; and Fig. 6 is a similar view of the purse or bag frame, representing the positions of the said pair of finger-pieces when the locking devices are in their actuated positions indicated in said Fig, 4 of the drawings. Fig. 7 is adetail sectional representation taken on line 7 7 in Fig. 3 of the drawings looking in the direction of the arrow 2. Fig. 8 is a horizontal section taken on line 8 8 in said Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 9 9 in Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 10 10 in Fig. 2 of the drawings, illustrating the hinged or pivoted frame-sections in their closed relation with the holding-catch for engagement with the one frame-section in its immovable and locked engagement with the said frame-section; and Fig. 11 is a similar section of the same devices, but illustrating the holdingcatch in its released position when the framesections are just about to be separated. Fig. 12 is a face view of a spring-bar. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a holding-catch, and Fig. 14: is a similar view of another spring-bar or plate to be used with the construction of bag or purse frame herein shown.

Similar characters of reference are employed in all of the above-described views to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring now to the several figures of the drawings, the reference characters 1 and 2 indicate a pair of suitably-constructed bag or purse frame sections connected at their lower end portions by means of the usual pins or rivets 3, and they are spring-actuated by means 7 of a spring 4, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 1

of the drawings; but of course it will be understood any other suitable pivotal connection between the frame-sections and any other form of actuating-spring may be employed. From an inspection of the several figures of the drawings it will be seen that the said framesection 1 is provided along its end members 5 and 6 with side pieces 7 and 8, which terminate at or near the ends of the upper edge of said frame 1 in short and preferably curved portions 9, each portion 9 terminating in a tongue or holding-lug 10. These side pieces 7 and 8 and their curved end portions 9 may be made integral with the said frame-section 1 or they may be made separate therefrom, in which case they are suitably secured along the marginal edges of said frame-section 1 by means of solder or any other suitable fastening means. Thus it will be evident that the frame-section 1 is made across its top or upper portion with a suitable opening 11, as will be seen from an inspection of Figs. 1, 3, and

,4. Suitably arranged'beneath the open part 11 of the frame-section 1 is a member 12, the same comprising the upper and inwardlycurved face 13, the ends 14, and the connecting sides 15. The general configuration of the said ends 14 conforms to the inner curved surfaces of the curved end portions 9 of the side pieces 7 and 8, so that the said member 12 is snugly fitted in place, as shown in said Figs. 3 and 4, the said member 12 being secured in place by means of suitable lugs or tongues 16, connected with the frame-section 1 and bent around the marginal edge of one of the sides 15 of the member 12, and by means of the holding-lugs 10 of said end portions 9, which lugs 10 are passed through suitably-disposed openings 17 in the curved face 13 of said member 12 and then bent over against the under faces of said ends 14 substantially as illustrated. The said curved face 13 of said member 12 is also provided with three longitudinally-extending openings 18, 19, and 20, the opening 20 being made wider at its one end, as at 21 and as clearly represented in Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings.

. Suitably arranged in the opening 11 is an outwardly-curved spring-plate 22, its curvature normally conforming to the upper marginal and outwardly curving edge of the frame-section 1, as shown. This spring-plate 22 is provided with a pair of longitudinallyeXtending openings or slots 23 and 24, the slot or opening 24 slanting to one side, as shown, and being provided with the enlarged open part 25 and being made with an offset which forms a shoulder or stop 26, as will be clearly seen from an inspection of Fig. 14. At its' which are passed through the openings 17 in the face 13 of the member 12, as illustrated more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Movably arranged in the opening 19 of the said curved face 13 of themember 12 is a holding-catch 28, (see more particularly Fig. 13,) the catch being struck up in a suitable die, so as to be provided with a pair of laterallyextending portions 29, each formed with the shoulders and projections 31, which are inserted in suitably-arranged holes or perforations 32 in the spring-plate 22 and then riveted over to form heads 33, as shown in the drawings, and whereby the said holding-catch 28 is secured to the said spring-plate 22. The said catch 28 also has a pair of downwardlyextending fingers 34, which are bent over, as shown in said Figs. 3 and 4, their purpose being to limit the outward movement of the spring-plate 22, while the edges 35 of the laterally-extending portions 29 limit the downward movement of the spring-plate 22 when pressure is applied in the direction of the arrow 2 upon the upper central part of the said spring-plate 22, all of which will be more clearly understood from an inspection of Fig. 3.

The frame-section 2 is providedwith an inwardly-extending post or finger 36, formed with a nosing 37, which when the two framesections 1 and 2 are brought in their closed relation (indicated in Fig. 10 of the drawings) is sprung over the edge 38 of the holdingcatch 28, and thereby holds the two framesections in their closed relations.

Slidably-arranged lockingdevices or bolts 39 and 40 are employed to retain the springplate 22 in its immovable position when in the positions represented in Fig. 3 of the drawings or for permitting the inward movement of the spring-plate 22 when said devices or bolts 39 and 40 are in the positions shown in Fig. 4. From an inspection of said Figs. 3 and 4 it will be seen that the locking device or bolt 39 is made with an upwardly-extending post or projection 41, which is slidably arranged in the opening 23 of said spring-plate 22 and is secured to a finger-piece or knob 42. When in its normal initial position, the edge portion 43 of the device or bolt 39 extends between the under surface of the spring-plate 22 and the upper surface of the face 13 of the member 12, thus providing a suitable lock against the downward movement of the springplate 22. The remaining lower marginal edge portion of the device or bolt 39 is arranged in the opening 18 and may be provided with a teat or projection 44, as shown, which acts as a guide when the device or bolt is operated. The locking device or bolt 40 is made with an upwardly-extending post or projection 45, which normally rests in the enlarged open part 25 of the opening 24 in the spring-plate 22, as indicated in Figs. 3, 4, and 7, having its one edge normally resting against movement longitudinally upon the shoulder or stop,

26 and said device or bolt 40 having its edge portion 4.6 extending between the under surface of the spring-plate 22 and the surface of the face 13 of the member 12, thereby provid- .5 ing a second lock against the downward movement of the said spring-plate 22. The remaining lower marginal edge portion of the device or bolt 40 is arranged in the opening 20 and may be provided with a guide teat or projection 47. The post or projection 45 is also provided with a finger-piece or knob 48, as shown. Thus it will be clearly evident that when either or both of the devices or bolts 39 and 4:0 are in the positions indicated in Fig. 3 the springplate 22 cannot be forced in an inward direction, and the nosing37 of the post or finger 36, connected with the frame-section 2, cannot he released from its holding engagement with the edge 38 of the catch 28, and the two frame-sections will thus be retained in their normally closed and locked engagement.

illustrated, the two finger-pieces 42 and 48 are made sufficiently large to cover up the openings 23 and 24,overwhich they are respectively arranged and slide above the same.

That the said. locking devices or bolts 39 and may be retained against accidental movements in their normal initial positions (indil cated in Fig. 3) or in their operated positions I [3 (represented in Fig. 4:) a spring baror plate it 49, having oppositely-extending arms 50, provided with curved or, other suitably-formed holding portions 51, may be employed. This spring bar orplate is made with a centrallyarranged and perforated extension 52, extending through an opening 53 in the face 13 of the member 12, the said extension being secured against the inner face of one of the sides 15 of said member 12 by means of a rivet or other suitable fastening means. When the locking devices or bolts 39 and are in the positions in said Fig. 3, then the holding porti ons 51 of the spring bar or plate 49 are against v the edges 55 of the said devices or bolts 39 .45 and 40, and when these devices or bolts have been brought into the positions in Fig. 4 in the manner to be presentlydescribed then the said holding portions 51 are in engagement with certain openings 56 in the said devices or bolts 39 and 40, and in both instances the said devices or bolts are immovably held against accidentaldisplacement, the said holding de- Vices, however, not interfering with the sliding movements of the locking devices or bolts 39 and 10 when properly actuated by the'operator. To separate the two frame-sections 1 and 2, the operation is as follows: The locking device or bolt 39 is first forced, by means of its finger- 1 piece 42, in the direction of the arrow 01 in Fig. 6, whereby the device or bolt 39 assumes its disengaged relation with the other parts of the yinechanism, as indicated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The next step in the operation is to produce a slight turn of the finger-piece 48 in the direction of the arrow u, (indicated in said Fig. 6,) whereby the post of the locking de- Vice or bolt 40 is forced away from the stop orshoulder 26, and the device or bolt 40 can thenreadily be forced in the direction of the arrow 16 also in said Fig. 6. The device has then been made to assume its disengaged relation with the other parts of the mechanism, as represented in said Fig. 4. of the drawings. Pressure in the direction of the arrow .2 can now be applied upon the top of the said springplate 22, whereby the said plate is brought from its fixed position (represented in Figs. 3 and 10) to its operated position, (indicated in Figs. 4: and 11,) the edge 38 of the catch 28 being disengaged from the nosing 37 of the post or finger 36, connected with the framesection 2, and the spring 4 then acting to separate the two frame-sections 1 and 2. To again cause the inoperative engagement of the spring-plate 22, the locking devices or bolts 39 and 40 are forced back into their initial positions (indicated in said Fig. 3) by sliding them in the opposite directions,(indicated by the arrows 10 and a in Fig. 6 of the drawings,) whereby when the frame-section 2 is again closed against the frame-section l the nosing 36 will once more be brought in its holding engagement with the edge 38 of the catch 28, as will be clearly understood.

The .many advantages of my novel construction of purse or bag frame and its locking mechanism are evident from the previous description, the arrangement and con struction ofthe several parts being simple, cheap, and neat, as well as operative, and at the same time providing a toy or puzzle of great utility, from which may be obtained pleasure and amusement.

I am aware that changes may be made in theseveral arrangements and combinations of the various parts, as well as in the details of the construction thereof, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Hence I do not limit my invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the parts as described in the foregoing specification and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, nor do I confine myself to the exact details of the construction of the various parts.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, extending across the upper face of the said frame-section, a spring-plate arranged in said open space, said spring-plate being arranged to close the said open space and forming the upper face of said framesection, and a locking means connected with said spring-plate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, witha pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, extending across the upper face of the said frame-section, a spring-plate arranged in said open space, said spring-plate being arranged to close the said open space and forming the upper face of said framesection, and a locking means comprising, a holding-catch secured to said spring-plate, and a post on the other frame section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with a portion of said catch, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

3. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the framesection so as to leave an open space, extending across the upper face of the said frame-section, a spring-plate arranged in said open space, said spring-plate being arranged to close the said open space and forming the upper face of said framesection, a holding-catch secured to the said spring-plate, means connected with said catch to limit the movement of said spring-plate, and a post on the other frame-section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with a portion of said holdingcatoh, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

4. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, extending across the upper face of the said frame-section, a locking-devicereceiving member arranged beneath the, said open space and having its ends secured to the said side pieces, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, said spring-plate being arranged to close the said open space and forming the upperface of said framesection,and a locking means connected with said spring-plate and the other frame-section, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

5. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-device-receiving member arranged beneath the said open space andv having its ends secured to the said side pieces, a

springplate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, and a locking means connected with said spring-plate and the other frame-section, comprising, a holding-catch secured to said spring-plate, and a post on the other frame-section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with a portion of said catch, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

6. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-device-receiving member arranged beneath the said open space having its ends secured to the said side pieces and provided with an opening 19, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, a holding-catch secured to said spring-plate and having a portion movably arranged in said opening 19, and a post on the other frame-section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with a portion of said holding-catch, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

7. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-device-receiving member arranged beneath the said open space having its ends secured to the said side pieces and provided with an opening 19, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, a holding-catch secured to said spring-plate and having a portion movably arranged in said opening 19, a post on the other frame-section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with a portion of said holding-catch, and means on saidholding-catch arranged for engagement with portions of the said receiving member to limit the movement of said springplate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

8. Inapurse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a spring-plate arranged in said open space,,a locking means for retaining the framesections in their closed relation, and means connected with the said spring-plate for preventing the movement of said spring-plate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

9. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a spring-plate arranged in said open space, a locking means for retaining the frame-sections in their closed relation, and means connected with the said spring-plate for preventing the movement of said spring-plate, comprising, a pair of slide-bolts, one of said bolts also having a pivotal motion, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of flflIIlG-SGCUODS, of s1de pieces on one of said frame-sectlon's, each side 1 piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a spring-plate arranged in said comprising, a pair of slide-bolts, one of said bolts also having a pivotal motion, and a spring-bar 19 having holding portions in holding engagement with said slide-bolts, substan tially as and for the purposes set forth.

11. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pairof frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-device-receiving member arranged beneath the said open space having its ends secured to the said side pieces, and provided with openings 18 and 20, a spring-plate arranged in said open'space above the said receiving member, a locking means for retaining the frame-sections in their closed relation, and slide bolts s1 id ably connected with said. spring-plate and having portions extending into said openings 18 and 20, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

12. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sections, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-device-rcceiving member arranged beneath the said open space having its ends secured to the said side pieces, and provided with openings 18 and 20, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, a locking means for retaining the frame-sections in their closed relation, slide-bolts slidably connected with said spring-plate and having portions extending into said openings 18 and 20, and a spring-bar 49 having holding portions in holding engagement with said slide-bolts, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

13. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair offrame-sections, of side i pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating. near the end portions of the .1 upper part of the frame-section so as to leave an open space, a 10cking-device-receiving member arranged beneath the sa1d open space having its ends secured to the said side pieces,

and provided with openings 18 and 20, a spring- 1 plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, a locking means for retainmg the frame-sections in their closed relation, and slide-bolts slidably connected 1 with said spring-plate and having portions extending into said openings 18 and 20, one of sald openings, as 20, being made Wider at one end than at the other end to allow for a pivotal motion of one of saidslide-bolts, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

14. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a pair of frame-sect ons, of side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side {connected with said spring-plate and having portions extending into said openings 18 and 20, one of said openings, as 20, being made wider at one end than at the other end to. allow for a pivotal motion of one of said slidebolts, and aspring-bar 5L9 having holding portions in holding engagement with said slidebolts, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

15. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, of a frame-section, a receiving member, a springrplate movably arranged above said receiving member, and a slide-bolt having a portion normally in locked engagement between a portion of said receiving member and said spring-plate to prevent movement of said spring-plate but being capable of withdrawal from such locked engagement, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

16. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, of a frame-section, a receiving member, a spring-plate movably arranged above said receiving member, and a pivotally and slidably arranged bolt having a portion normally in locked engagement between a portion of said receiving member and said spring-plate to prevent movement of said plate but being capable of withdrawal from such locked engagement, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

17. The herein described purse or bag frame, comprising, a pair of frame-sections, side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the said frame-seetion so as to leave an open space, a locking-devicereceiving member arranged beneath said open space having its ends secured to said side pieces and provided with openings 18 and 20, the said opening 20 being wider at one end than at its other end, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, said spring-plate having openings 23 and 24, the said opening 24. having an enlarged open part 25 and a stop 26, aslide-bolt 39 between said receiving member and said springbolt, having its lower edge portion slidably arranged in said opening 18, and a post on said slide-bolt 39 extending through the opening 23 and provided with a finger-piece, a sec- 0nd slide-bolt between said receiving member and said spring-plate, having its lower edge portion slidably arranged in said opening 20, and a post on said slide-bolt 40 extending through the opening 2 1 and normally in engagement with said stop 26, and a finger-piece on said post, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

18. The herein described purse or bag frame, comprising, a pair of frame-sections, side pieces on one of said frame-sections, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the said frame-section so as to leave an open space, a locking-devicereceiving member arranged beneath said open space and having its ends secured to said side pieces and provided with openings 18 and 20, the said opening 20 being wider at one end than at its other end, a spring-plate arranged in said open space above the said receiving member, said spring-plate having openings 23 and 24:, the said opening 2 1 having an enlarged open part 25 and a stop 26, a slide-bolt 39 between said receiving member and said spring-bolt, having its lower edge portion slidably arranged in said opening 18, and a post on said slide-bolt 39 extending through the opening 23 and provided with a fingerpiece, a second slide-bolt between said receiving member and said spring-plate, having its lower edge portion slidably arranged in said opening 20, and a post on said slide-bolt 40 extending through the opening 24 and normally in engagement with said stop 26, and a finger-piece on said post, the said receiving member being also provided with an opening 19, a holding-catch on said spring-plate having a portion movably arranged in said opening 19, and a post on said other frame-section provided with a nosing adapted to be brought in holding engagement with said holding-catch, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

19. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a frame-section, of side pieces connected with said frame-section, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section to form an open space, a locking-device-receiving member arranged beneath said open space, said member being provided with openings 17, and hold inglugs on said side pieces extending through said openings 17 and bent over against the under surface of said receiving member, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

20. In a purse or bag frame, the combination, with a frame-section, of side pieces connected with said frame-section, each side piece terminating near the end portions of the upper part of the frame-section to form an open space, a l0cking-device-receiving member arranged beneath said open space, said member being provided with openings 17, and holdinglugs on said side pieces extending through said openings 17 and bent over against the under surface of said receiving member, a springplate 22 arranged in the said open space above said receiving member, and holding-lugs 27 on said spring-plate arranged in the openings of said receiving member, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

' In testimony that I claim the invention set forth above I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of August, 1903.

BENNO VOM EIGEN.

Witnesses:

FREDK. C. FRAENTZEL, GEO. D. RICHARDS. 

